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Existing clients: 020 7624 9944

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End of Life Care:

Most Outstanding Independent
Care Provider HCA Finalist 2023

Private palliative care in London

SweetTree’s End of Life Care service was created to provide a tangible and high quality choice for those who wish to spend their last moments amidst familiar surroundings, rather than move elsewhere. Please view our brochure for further information.

We understand that although staying at home is the preference for most, the fear, emotional hurdles and practicalities of caring for someone at this stage of life can be challenging.

Reflecting this, we have a dedicated palliative support service for not only our clients, but also their loved ones. Our End of Life services champion dignity, compassion and respect as an absolute priority in everything they do.

The ethos behind this service is to mirror that of the highly respected hospice movement. It is designed to actively join up with all involved in the palliative journey, whether it be another care team, a family or a hospice – to ensure the very highest quality of care is provided at such an important time.

Frequently asked questions:

Are your carers experienced and trained in providing end of life care?
We offer all our carers specialist, intensive training to provide high quality, compassionate care for people at the end of their life and we provide regular refresher training. Your SweetTree care manager will have the knowledge, confidence and understanding to tailor care to your individual wishes and needs. Our carers are trained to understand and conduct advanced care planning (ACP) discussions in a gentle and facilitating way, in order to record and deliver care according to the individual’s expressed preferences. SweetTree also train our carers to recognise the signs that someone is approaching the end of their life, ensuring they know what to do and how to communicate with family members so they understand what is happening and what to expect. Our carers fully appreciate the importance of communication with clients, family members and other professionals. Our Palliative Care Manager also takes a hands-on role, ensuring our care is fully focused on the individual’s needs and preferences.
How will the carers know what care and support to give?
We write a holistic and person-centred care plan for each individual we support. This describes in detail every aspect of the client’s needs – including what they can eat and drink, their medication and how it is administered, and how any equipment provided to assist with safe moving and handling should be used. The plan includes spiritual or religious needs. Our care plans are very detailed, so nothing is overlooked.
How do I get help with funding to pay for end of life care?
There are several ways of accessing funding for care. The first is Attendance Allowance, which is not means tested and has two different weekly rates, depending on the level and complexity of help needed. It requires you to fill out a lengthy document, which needs to be signed by your GP, but it is quite straightforward. More information about Attendance Allowance is available on the government website. Additionally, there are means-tested benefits provided by social services, which require a financial assessment but do provide additional support to those relying on a basic pension.

The NHS also provides funding for continuing healthcare, if you are assessed as having a primary physical or mental health care need. This can be fast-tracked if you have urgent needs on returning home from hospital. More information is on the NHS website.

It may also be possible to get additional funding quickly through terminal illness benefits, if a medical professional has stated you may have less than six months to live. This may, for example, help to fund a carer throughout the night. More information on is available on Gov.uk.

How does SweetTree fit in to the other care services that my loved one will be receiving?
We work very closely with GPs, district nurses, palliative care nurses and other professionals such as Occupational Therapists. Our carers all have social care qualifications and training, they achieve the nationally-recognised Care Certificate, which defines the knowledge, skills and behaviour necessary for the role. They are also trained to administer medicines safely. However, if our managers feel a qualified nurse or GP is needed to meet a particular need, they will liaise with the relevant medical professional. We constantly communicate and share information to ensure the individual and their family understand the different roles, what is happening and what to expect. If an individual has a specific need, such as PEG feeding or a colostomy bag, their carer will receive specific training to ensure they can confidently provide the support needed.
Will my loved one be in pain and how will their carers manage their pain?
Family members are often most afraid about their loved one being in pain and how they can help. Our carers – and all the medical professionals involved in caring for the individual – are very attentive and experienced in assessing pain and managing symptoms. GPs will prescribe painkilling drugs and provide clear guidance so the nursing team or carers are able to administer them when needed. Most people receiving palliative care can be supported just as well at home as in a hospice or hospital and pain management is an essential part of that support.
My loved one wants their pet to be with them in the bedroom during their final months, is that possible?
Absolutely. This is something we can write in an individual’s care plan and if they want their dog or cat to sleep on the bed with them, that is fine. We have cared for many individuals whose beloved pet was central to their wishes and their emotional wellbeing.
10
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Our End of Life care service includes:

  • Support from 3 to 24 hour care, enabling freedom of choice and flexibility 
  • Pro-active partnerships with community palliative care teams, other specialists from the multidisciplinary team as well as family and friends
  • Enablement to fulfil choices for our clients and loved ones wherever possible.

SweetTree discussed people’s wishes regarding care at the end of their lives and dying as part of the initial assessment of their needs. Specific wishes and needs were recorded in people’s care plans.  Staff received training in end of life care to ensure the best support for people at their home at the final stages of their life.
CQC Report December 2020

Meet the end of life care team

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Living well until we die

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End of life brochure

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